Why Is Holy Week So Important to Christians?
Many Christians believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise that upon death, they will spend eternity in heaven with Him. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter. This week allows the Christian time to prepare both physically and spiritually for Easter.
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History
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The history of Holy Week is rooted in remembrance of events leading up to Jesus Christ's death by crucifixion and ultimate resurrection celebrated on Easter morning. According to the four gospels of the bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) these events took place around 30 A.D. Jesus was present in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover celebrated by the Jews in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt. The gospels acknowledge that Jesus died a cruel death.
First Observances
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Holy Week began in its basic form in the 2nd century. In the Early Church two masses took place, the first reconciling sinners to God and the second commemorating communion. By the 3rd century, the Great Vigil came on the scene and was the official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week was first called Great Week by the Greeks in the second half of the 3rd century. Around the 4th century "Holy Week" was given its name by the Archbishop of Alexandria and the Bishop of Constantia.
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Beginning of Holy Week
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Each day of Holy Week signifies an important historical event that took place according to the bible. The beginning of Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday commemorating the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday was named for the Great Commandment "That ye love one another; as I have loved you" (John 13:34) and is when "The Last Supper" took place between Jesus and his disciples. The Passover meal was shared, instituting the sacrament of communion.
End of Holy Week
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Good Friday marks the day that Jesus was crucified and buried and begins the remembrance of Christ's journey from death to resurrection life. Many churches participate in the Great Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday, and to some, this is the most important service of the week. The Service of Light begins in darkness and culminates with the lighting of the paschal candle. The Ministry of the Word includes readings, psalms and prayers from both the Old and New Testament. Baptism for new believers and a renewal of Baptism is observed. Finally, the congregation participates in the Lord's Supper.
Participation
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Christians participate in Holy Week in many different ways. Attending church services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and finally the Great Vigil reminds the Christian of all the events that occurred during this week. Reading the biblical accounts of the events leading up to Jesus' death on the cross provides a historical as well as spiritual perspective. Setting aside time for fasting and prayer renews the Christian and puts them in the right frame of mind to celebrate Easter. Participating in a Jewish Passover celebration also adds spiritual meaning to many Christians.
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- Photo Credit cross 3 image by Vitezslav Halamka from Fotolia.com
Comments
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I like this now I understand what it is like to be a real catholic (this will help my paper).
